24 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS. 



been formed of the manner in which it was conducted, 

 both as regards diligence and accuracy, and because we 

 feel, that in measuring our labours, and the time they are 

 likely to occupy, by such a standard, we shall have taken 

 the surest mode of showing that we have used the utmost 

 diligence. 



With a view to lighten, as far as possible, the arduous 

 duties attaching to us, the collection and the arrangement 

 of the evidence, and the general machinery of all Com- 

 missions being to a great extent similar, a Secretary was 

 appointed who possessed experience in such occupations, 

 and who was therefore likely to anticipate many facilities 

 and difficulties which would escape the observation of 

 those who were not equally practised. From the similarity, 

 in many respects, of an Inquiry into the operation of the 

 Poor Laws in England, and an Inquiry into the condition 

 of the poorer classes in Ireland, the Secretary to the former 

 Inquiry was appointed. But the business of the English 

 Inquiry having been prolonged beyond the period antici- 

 pated, he was not permitted to join us till six months after 

 the Commission had been in operation, and consequently 

 the experience by which we were to benefit, and thus to 

 shorten our labours, was withheld during a very important 

 period of our sittings. 



With regard to the economy with which we have con- 

 ducted the Inquiry, this cannot, any more than the time, 

 be justly estimated without considering the extent and 

 difficulty of the duties, and the manner in which they have 

 been performed. An Inquiry w r hich contains but one 

 branch can, of course, be conducted for a smaller sum 

 than one which contains three or four ; for either an addi- 

 tional number of Assistant Commissioners will be required 



